Tag: HIPAA Compliant

When running a modern private practice it is vital that you and your staff have a good understanding of HIPAA requirements. If you are totally new to HIPAA, I will cover the Who, What, When, Where and Why of the privacy and security act.

By Claire Nichols

Most of us have at least heard the acronym HIPAA and probably are aware it is something to do with the security and privacy of patient information. But What is HIPAA? Are registered dietitians required to comply? What does HIPAA Compliance actually mean and what does it require? What happens if I fail to meet HIPAA?

HIPAA or HIPPA

Even though it is pronounced hip-pa, the National privacy and security act issued U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is called HIPAA. The acronym HIPAA standing for Health Information Portability and Accountability Act.

What is HIPAA?

When discussing any topic, I like to start with a definition. Definitions help to check that we’re all on the same page before progressing further.

Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requires healthcare providers such as Registered Dietitians (covered entities) and their business associates (like Kalix) to establish and follow procedures and practices that ensure the confidentiality and security of Protected Health Information (PHI) when it is transferred , received, handled, or shared.

Business Associates

Covered Entities often use third parties to provide certain health and business services. If these activities or services involve the use or disclosure of protected health information on behalf of a covered entity, the third party is considered a business associate.

Protected Health Information

Is any identifiable demographic and other information relating to the past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition of an individual. This includes information related to the provision or payment of health care services to an individual by a covered entity (health care provider, health plan, employer, or health care clearinghouse).PHI includes (but is not limited to): name, address, appointment dates and details, phone numbers, email addresses, SSN, insurance details, full face photos and any unique identifying number.

Next Time

In Part two I will discuss your responsibilities as health care professions and how to run a HIPAA Compliant practice. I will hence explore the administrative, physical and technical safeguards needed to ensure the safe transmission and storage of protected health information.